Doubting GodSample

A Firm Foundation

Just as a home renovation can fix problems and create a better home than before, our doubts, handled properly, can be the catalyst for a deeper faith.

Doubt is rarely a one-time event—it can pop up in various seasons and situations. Whether you’ve experienced doubt because of a tough question you couldn’t answer, an experience that seemed unfair, or a hurt you couldn’t reconcile, we know that Jesus isn’t dismayed by our doubt.

No one knew this more than David, who was known as a man after God’s own heart. David certainly wasn’t perfect, but he fought for his relationship with God.

In the middle of his darkest moments, he cried out to God. He doubted God. He yelled at God. And he always came back to God, remembering His past faithfulness.

In Psalm 77, we see him having an internal battle where he doesn’t feel the presence of God. Yet he reminds himself of God’s faithfulness, His miracles, and His nature.

We can model this same response in the middle of our pain and brokenness. We might not always understand God’s ways, but we can trust His character.

And so as we encounter questions and doubts, let’s recenter on Jesus as our anchor. He came to this earth as a vulnerable infant, showing us the depths to which He would go to be with us. As we process our deepest doubts, we can test our beliefs against His life and His Word. In the Sermon on the Mount, He says this:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

Jesus’ words and way of life are our compass for following Him. He doesn’t expect perfection. He knows that we’ll often ask where we’re going, just like His early disciples did.

But when we doubt, we can anchor our faith in Him, knowing that He is trustworthy. He is patient. And He wants to walk with us, even in our doubt.

Pray: God, help me hear, believe, and live Your Word. Help me build my life and faith on a firm foundation of rock. When I feel shaken, I know that You are unshakeable, and I put my trust in You. Thank You for being with me, even in the middle of questions and doubts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

If you enjoyed this Bible Plan, learn more in the accompanying sermon series from Pastor Craig Groeschel, Doubting God.